CONCORD, N.H. (AP) – Kitchen Etc., a New Hampshire-based retailer that sold cooking utensils, glassware and china, has started closing stores a month after filing for bankruptcy protection, the attorney general’s office said Monday.

Kitchen Etc., Inc., started closing stores over the weekend. It operated 17 retail stores in nine states, including three in New Hampshire.

Stores also are in Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Virginia.

The Exeter-based chain filed for bankruptcy protection on June 8.

A liquidation company, SB Capital, is conducting store closing sales, under an order by the United States Bankruptcy Court.

for the District of Delaware.

AP-ES-07-12-04 1431EDT